From the Top with CEO Patrick Grace

Have you ever heard or seen a business telling you to use less of what it sells? It doesn't make much sense for the business, does it? How can it survive if it isn't moving product? To the majority of businesses, the bottom line is all that matters — typical of businesses out to make a profit. The human factor is not considered by those decision-makers when they're trying to sell products or services for profit. The good news? OEC and other cooperatives like us are not out to make a profit, and we do encourage you to use less of what we sell. We're in the business of service, not profits, and we've created a few ways you can take advantage of it in the new year.

On pages 6 and 7 you will learn about our expanded efficiency rebate program and ways we are rewarding those implementing new technologies in their energy-saving efforts.

Why do we encourage our member-consumers to use less of what we sell? One reason is because we simply distribute the electricity you need to your home. We don't generate it. Factors do come into play that depend more on when you use the power versus how much you use. For example, the amount of power you use on those hot summer afternoons could determine what we pay for that power year-round. That means our goal is to shift that use from hot summer afternoons to mornings, evenings or nighttime to keep your rates affordable.

All that to say we work for you, our member-consumers. To myself and the board of trustees, how we provide the service is more important than how much we provide. We genuinely want you to save money on your electric bill, and as we get closer to summer, you will see more and more ways you can save.

Remember, OEC is different. We're in the business of service, and we're committed to providing you with the best.